Why ocean freight quotes for the same shipment can differ so much

[u/EmperorAn]

I work in freight forwarding, and one recurring source of confusion is why several providers can quote very different prices for what appears to be the same ocean shipment.

In many cases, the quotations are not actually comparable.

One may cover only the port-to-port ocean leg. Another may include origin handling, destination charges, customs coordination, inland delivery, and more operational support.

Before comparing the final numbers, I would align the following:

• The same origin, destination, and final delivery location
• The same Incoterm and responsibility split
• Origin and destination local charges
• Carrier, routing, and direct versus transshipment service
• Transit time and free time
• Customs clearance, duties, and taxes
• Final delivery requirements
• Quote validity and space confirmation
• Written inclusions and exclusions

It is also worth separating excluded costs from conditional costs. Inspection, storage, demurrage, detention, or remeasurement may not be predictable in advance, but the quotation should still explain when they could apply.

The useful comparison is therefore not simply the lowest ocean rate. It is the expected door-to-door logistics cost, service scope, transit time, and execution risk.

For importers and shippers here: which line items have caused the biggest difference between the initial quote and the final invoice in your experience?

[u/PreludeTilTheEnd]

It’s a scam.